In:
Archives of Hand and Microsurgery, Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand, Vol. 26, No. 2 ( 2021-06-01), p. 100-108
Abstract:
Purpose: The wrist, elbow, and axillae are recipient sites for vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) in upper extremity lymphedema. To the best of our knowledge, the possibility of the forearm as a recipient site for the VLNT has not been extensively investigated. We introduced a novel recipient site and surgical technique for VLNT in the distal upper extremity without a skin paddle.Methods: Between January 2018 and February 2019, five consecutive patients underwent VLNT for upper extremity lymphedema. A vascularized supraclavicular lymph node was harvested and transferred to the mid-forearm of the lymphedematous limb. Radial artery, venae comitantes, and superficial vein were used as recipient vessels. Outcome was assessed by upper limb circumference and volume.Results: All flaps survived without any donor-site morbidity. All patients reported symptom improvement. Mean circumference and volume at 3, 6, and 12 months after VLNT were reduced statistically significantly (p 〈 0.05). Volume differential reduction was significant (p=0.005), showing an increasing tendency (p=0.050).Conclusion: The forearm appears to be an excellent recipient site owing to its aesthetic and surgical benefits.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2586-3290
,
2586-3533
DOI:
10.12790/ahm.20.0071
Language:
English
Publisher:
Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand
Publication Date:
2021
